Falcons release Marcus Mariota

The Atlanta Falcons cleared some cap space and moved on to a new quarterback after releasing Marcus Mariota on Tuesday.

Mariota started the first 13 games of the 2022 season for the Falcons before being benched at the bye for rookie Desmond Ridder, who started the rest of the season.

Mariota then left the team to have a procedure done on his knee and was placed on injured reserve. By cutting the 29-year-old former Heisman winner, Atlanta saved $12 million on its cap for next season.

Mariota completed 61.3% of his passes last season for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He also had career highs as a rusher with 85 carries for 438 yards, scoring four touchdowns, the second-most rushing touchdowns in his career.